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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Rhian Lubin

Conspiracy theories surrounding White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting surge online

  • Conspiracy theories alleging the recent shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner was "staged" surged online, with over 300,000 posts containing the term.
  • The incident involved an alleged gunman, Cole Tomas Allen, who was apprehended near a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton ballroom where Donald Trump, Melania Trump, and Vice President JD Vance were present.
  • Unfounded theories suggested the shooting was a distraction from the war in Iran or intended to justify Donald Trump's $400 million ballroom project.
  • Donald Trump addressed the speculation on CBS News’ 60 Minutes, dismissing the idea that the shooting was staged as a "tough sell" and calling theorists "sick" or "con people".
  • Marjorie Taylor Greene questioned the swift release of the alleged shooter's manifesto, drawing criticism for her perceived hypocrisy, while Alex Jones also discussed the "staged" theory with his followers.

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